On Saturday 9 August (12:30pm), at Guildhall Square, Southampton, we are launching The Austentatious Ball — a bold, joyous celebration of identity, belonging and community, reimagining the 18th-century ball with a modern twist.

Commissioned by Mayflower and directed by ZoieLogic Dance Theatre as part of the nationwide Austen 250 celebrations, this participatory performance explores a new framework for instant, high-impact mass movement with communities.

What’s different?

We’re trialling a hybrid structure that blends planned movement with improvisation, call and response, and cultural exchange through expressions of culture, movement and dance. Designed to require little-to-no prior community buy-in, this model invites participants on the day to step into a collective experience through an intuitive, interactive format. 

Think of it as a “pop-up participatory ball” for the modern world.

We’re calling on producers, creatives, programmers, funders and civic leaders like yourself to come, observe, and share your thoughts on how this framework could be refined and adapted across a range of festivals and public contexts.

Could this approach open up new possibilities for scale, access, and immediacy in outdoor performance?

Details:
📍 Guildhall Square, Southampton
📅 Saturday 9 August
 12:30pm

Drinks reception: MAST Mayflower Studios Mezzanine Bar - 12.00pm 

Please let me know if you’re able to join us – we’d love to see you there.

RSVP to Martina - Executive Director- by Thursday 8th August  martina@zoielogic.co.uk

This vibrant, open-access performance reimagines the 18th-century ball through today’s lens, bringing together 100 participants of all ages (11+) in an immersive experience. Expect dance cards, live entertainment, and movement rooted in today’s communities, celebrating boldness, identity, and diversity.

Read more: https://zoielogic.co.uk/tab/